Will is blessed to be married to Caitlin, an encouraging wife, supportive partner in ministry, loving mother, and compassionate Physician Assistant. They have three sons—Henry, Theodore, and Patrick—who keep things interesting with their joy and curiosity.

Will met Caitlin during undergraduate study at Furman University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. They moved to Kentucky for graduate work where Will received a Master of Church music degree at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Will is passionate about leading others in true worship of our triune God, especially in obedience to the biblical command to sing. He believes the health of a church can be measured in the spiritual fruit of individuals and in the corporate exuberance of the congregation’s worship.

Will is an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Gerralds enjoy spending time breaking bread with others, playing games, and taking in live music and theatre.

Larry is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy. They have two children. Scott is a corporate pilot and Laura is a Spanish professor. Kathy and Larry have seven grandchildren.

Larry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

He served as pastor of First Baptist Church Lima, Peru while under appointment with the International Mission Board. He served with the IMB for 19 years before joining the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina where he served 20 years as a Hispanic consultant until his “retirement”.

Larry has a passion to see people move beyond self-imposed limits on their personhood and potential. He believes in one’s ability to move forward - to become all one is meant to be in Christ. He embraces diversity, encourages differences, shares decision-making, and purses a personal identity conformed to the servant image of Christ. He demonstrates heart, warmth, acceptance, honesty, and challenge as he ministers living into servant-leadership. 

When not “working” he enjoys his “Wing” and water sports.

We are currently accepting resumes for a full time Minister to Students. 

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We are currently accepting resumes for a full time Minister to Children

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Laura considers there no greater gift from God than to be the wife of Josh and mother of Luke and Aubrey. She enjoys nothing more than spending time with and loving her family. 

Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Masters of Theological Studies from George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, TX. 

She is honored to serve the Lord and His Church by ministering to our Children in this season. She enjoys teaching children about the love of Jesus, helping the Bible come alive to them, and helping them see that they are wonderfully and beautifully created by God for a purpose. 

Laura is a self-proclaimed “novice” vegetable gardener and an avid football fan. She enjoys watching football every Saturday and Sunday in the fall and competing in her fantasy football league. She enjoys being active and outdoors any chance she gets and loves a good competitive board game.

Heather has worked in full time ministry for over twenty years.  A native of Hickory, she finds joy in spending time with her large extended family.  She is married to Shane and they have three children; Julie, Rylan, and Rebekah, and a very spoiled Shih Tzu named Ozzy.

She loves to sing and all things music. Her favorite singing is with a gospel choir or with her children. She is dedicated to seeing children know The Lord and currently serves as a preschool leader at her church.

The ministry of foster care and adoption holds a special place in the heart of her family. 

Heather enjoys a good movie, game nights, and road trips!

A native of Hickory, Nancy brings 20 years of non-profit administration experience to First Baptist Church.  

She enjoys serving others through outreach ministries including mission trips, Habitat, and Catawba County Humane Society. 

“Building wheelchair ramps for people in need, to putting up siding on new church buildings, allows me to put my faith in action.”

Nancy loves to travel, Tarheel basketball, and outdoor activities including tending her vegetable garden.  Most weekends are spent outdoors with her four-legged sidekick, CoCo.